FALCON

20 Jun 2007

FALCON is a mobile, high-capacity information infrastructure that brings the latest all-IP (internet protocol) technology to the battlefield.

As the UK’s most experienced systems integrator, Insyte was selected for Increment A of the programme to design this leading edge response to the requirements of the 21st century battlefield.
To meet this challenge, Insyte enlisted the support of a range of world-class partners, bringing together the specialist skills and capabilities needed to ensure that FALCON delivers on all of the customer’s requirements.

Contract value is excess of £200m
System is due to enter service in 2010.
The Bowman tactical system and Cormorant command system will feed information into FALCON, which will be able to link back to UK headquarters using the Skynet 5 satellite communications system.
FALCON is intended to have up to 50 times the data throughput capacity of the Ptarmigan, Euromux, and the RAF Transportable Telecommunications System (RTTS) systems it replaces, while offering multi-level security, air mobility, and a reduction in the number of Royal Signals vehicles and personnel needed to support a major headquarters.
FALCON is a rapidly deployable, truck-mounted system that allows troops and battlefield commanders to communicate quickly, securely and reliably with each other and with other levels of command.
Initial deployment will be to Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and its subordinate HQs to provide much needed enhancements for Joint and Coalition operations
By using all-IP technology, FALCON will be able to transmit the vast amounts of data battlefield commanders rely on to make vital tactical decisions and exploit voice over IP. FALCON requires much less manpower to operate than earlier systems.
By drawing on commercial off-the-shelf technology it will benefit from ongoing commercial investments in this field, greatly improving through-life value for money and ensuring the capacity for ongoing upgrading and enhancement the system.

Throughout FALCON’s development, BAE Systems has worked in close partnership with the UK MOD, the Defence Procurement Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
This has ensured that Insyte provides the user with the best capability at the lowest possible cost of ownership.
In doing this, Insyte has drawn on its unparalleled experience not only in delivering new systems that significantly enhance the UK’s operational capability, but also in supporting and upgrading them over their complete life cycle.

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